#Italy #Milan #Private Equity #Ropes & Gray

Ropes & Gray Expands Its European Operations with a New Milan Office

Ropes & Gray, a leading global law firm, has officially launched its latest office in Milan, marking a significant expansion of its European presence in the realm of private equity advisory services. This strategic move is designed to further strengthen the firm's capabilities and reinforce its commitment to serving clients in one of Europe’s most vibrant private equity markets.

The new Milan office welcomes experienced partners Cataldo (Aldo) Piccarreta, Giorgia Lugli, and Luca Maranetto, who join Ropes & Gray’s esteemed Private Equity group. Their extensive experience and established networks across Italy and Europe are expected to enhance the firm's service offerings significantly. Aldo Piccarreta has been appointed a co-head of Ropes & Gray's European Private Equity Transactions practice, which illustrates the firm's dedication to leadership in this dynamic sector.

According to Julie Jones, the chair of Ropes & Gray, "Our clients depend on our expertise in the most crucial markets. Inviting top-tier professionals like Aldo, Giorgia, and Luca into our team will accelerate our ability to navigate complex cross-border transactions, which are increasingly important to our private equity clientele. Their proven skill sets will greatly augment our capabilities as we strive to provide unmatched service."

Italy stands out as a key market due to recent growth trends; 2024 saw its private equity market emerge as the fastest-growing in Europe. With deal volumes more than doubling from the previous year, Italy's market surpassed the Netherlands, becoming the fourth largest private equity market in Europe by total investment. Ropes & Gray’s presence in Milan is a strategic response to this burgeoning opportunity, aligned with the firm's goal of better facilitating client relationships in this increasingly diverse market.

Piccarreta, recognized as a top lawyer in private equity by both Chambers Europe and Chambers Global, emphasized the unique opportunities available in Italy, stating, "Ropes & Gray is the perfect environment for our team, given its strong focus on private equity and established connections with leading sponsors worldwide. We are excited to collaborate with our current clients while also engaging new partnerships in this thriving landscape."

The other two partners also bring substantial expertise; Giorgia Lugli has built a reputation advising multinational private equity firms and financial institutions regarding investment and M&A transactions, and Luca Maranetto focuses on aiding both domestic and international clients with complex deals including mergers and acquisitions. Their collective expertise is poised to provide invaluable insights and guidance to clients navigating the Italian market.

With its new Milan office located at Via Broletto 46, 20121 Milano MI, Italy, Ropes & Gray aims to leverage its existing strengths established in London and Paris while deepening its reach within European private equity markets. With a strong footprint that includes prominent cities and operational hubs worldwide, the firm seeks to continue enhancing its global client base, offering sophisticated legal facilities tailored to complex business needs.

As a notable feature of Ropes & Gray, the firm is consistently acknowledged for its strong practices in asset management, finance, and corporate matters, securing its place on The American Lawyer's prestigious 'A-List' for the last nine years. With a team of over 1,500 legal professionals, Ropes & Gray remains committed to delivering top-tier legal services that its clients can depend upon in an ever-evolving marketplace.